UOC opponents in Krasyliv threaten to "slaughter all Moscow priests"

Offenders promise to slaughter UOC priests in Krasyliv. Photo: a video screenshot of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy of the UOC

Unknown persons in Krasyliv, Khmelnytskyi region, threaten to kill priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. On June 27, 2023, an inscription appeared on the fence of the Church of the Nativity of Christ: "We will cut all the Moscow priests, you must answer for your words", reports the press service of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy of the UOC.

It published a video address by the rector of the church, Archpriest Petro Koval, who said that the local authorities were involved in inciting interfaith hatred in the city.

"When we appeal to the local authorities to resolve all conflicts through dialogue, we are told that we are wrong," the priest said. “But why are we wrong if the Constitution, which we celebrate so much today (the video was recorded on 28 June – Ed.), guarantees us the right to freedom of religion?"

Father Petro stressed that UOC believers conscientiously carry out their civic duties, including military duty, helping the AFU soldiers and people affected by the Kakhovka HPP break, and doing "many other good deeds".

"We are working to ensure that the victory we are waiting for comes as soon as possible, that these Moscow invaders leave our holy Ukrainian land, that the blood of our relatives and loved ones is not shed, that we do not have a funeral service in this temple for the warriors. And we are accused of not being patriots?" asks the priest.

"Let us remember that each of us will have to answer to the Lord," Father Petro noted. “I call everyone for peace, forgive everyone who did this (left a threatening inscription – Ed.). And may the Lord reason with our authorities not to force us to go where we do not want to. You may take away our temples, but you will not take faith in the Lord from my heart and from the hearts of our parishioners.”

As reported, on 25 June, raiders attempted to seize the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Krasyliv and slashed the wheels of the car of Archpriest Petro Koval.

The UOJ also reported that vandals smeared red liquid on a sign outside the UOC church in Boyarka and wrote curses and wishes to "die" on the pavement outside the church.

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